31/01/2009

Richmond is Represented at the 16th Annual IYLC in Prague

The International Youth Leadership Conference is a week-long forum of students from across the globe, working towards “an exchange of ideas across an ethnically diverse and socially responsible group of young international leaders” . Hosted by Civic Concepts International, in the historical and central city of Prague, the IYLC pursues education and enlightenment by putting participants through the practical workings of many international organizations and employment of political, social, and economic theories. While every IYLC (the program operates biannually) is unique in the topics and organizations covered, all programs include a full itinerary and finalize in a mock European Union special issue party rallies, lobbying, and a Parliamentary debate.
In the 16th IYLC (as attended by this author) other international organizations covered included the United Nations Security Council, during which participants represented UNSC members in a group debate concerning Kosovo; and the International Criminal Court, wherein the groups of students composed and conducted a mock trial of Germain Katanga from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including “evidence” and “witnesses”.
Throughout the week of the 16th IYLC there were also several excursions to visit esteemed embassies to Prague (including Bosnia-Herzegovina, Afghanistan, France, etc.), a panel discussion with three notable journalists and writers at Charles University concerning “mass media and conflicts”, and a reception lunch with various corporate and organizational sponsors at the PricewaterhouseCoopers building. Both the simulations and the excursions provided insight and challenge for students through varying fields of interest.
While the six days of the conference are intellectually challenging and physically exhausting (days begin at 8 am and sometimes do not conclude until past 10 pm), it is also a social experience to be desired. Over 100 students from 35+ nations arrive as strangers and leave with friendships and memories that never subside. The division of students into groups allows for close interaction and encourages cross-cultural communication between the future “leaders” of the world. The IYLC team, including director Ismayil Khayredinov and ten outstanding “facilitators”, who help guide participants’ discussions and many of who are former “IYLC’ers” themselves, is constantly available for support and stimulation of ideas and experiences. Everyone gets the chance to pride on their own country and culture, and learn about their fellow participants’, during the festive “Culture Night” at the venue. And it is irrefutable that most of the cross-cultural exchanges and friendships of IYLC are formed in the local pub, where at the end of the long day practically all the students and facilitators gather to enjoy themselves, each other, and the quality of Czech beer.
The experience of the IYLC is invaluable to any student interested in politics, economics, and social studies. It clarifies many of the theories that are taught in the classroom, simply by putting them into practical action. The simulations and exposure to professionals of many planned future careers provide students with greater understanding and appreciation of what it is that they, one day, may be doing themselves. Most of all the IYLC, though a small and often unnoticed program, is an active encouragement of the globalised future and propels the friendly relations needed for it.
All information about the International Youth Leadership Conference can be found on their website: http://www.czechleadership.com .

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/682.aspx